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 Senator Carnes |
COLUMBUS -- James E. Carnes, who has served as state senator from eastern Ohio's 20th district since 1995, will leave the legislature in early January to become deputy director for resource conservation at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Carnes' appointment was announced today by Governor Bob Taft and ODNR Director Sam Speck.
"Throughout his Senate career, Jim Carnes has demonstrated a keen appreciation for resource management and conservation issues," Speck said. "Having served as chair of the Senate Energy, Natural Resources and Environment Committee and the Senate Finance and Financial Institutions Committee, he has an exceptional understanding of our agency's programs, priorities and finances."
Speck also cited Carnes' leadership in passing landmark legislation in 2001 to strengthen environmental regulation of industrial mineral and aggregate mining in Ohio. He was named National Wildlife Federation Legislator of the Year by the League of Ohio Sportsmen in 2001 and the Ohio Environmental Council's Legislator of the Year in 2002.
Since joining the General Assembly in 1995, Carnes has chaired several key legislative committees, including the Senate's Energy, Natural Resources and Environment Committee (1999-2001) and Finance and Financial Institutions Committee (2001-2003). He currently serves as chair of the Senate Financial Institutions Subcommittee and chair of the Senate Reference Committee.
As ODNR's deputy director for resource conservation, Carnes will oversee the department's divisions of Geological Survey, Soil & Water Conservation, Recycling & Litter Prevention, Mineral Resources Management and Water, as well as the Office of Coastal Management.